Dan’s Daily: Crosby Ovation, Big Z Rises, Jarry Best Canadian?

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — The Pittsburgh Penguins didn’t score a goal in the Battle of Nova Scotia Monday at the Scotiabank Centre. In fact, they looked like a team with a long way to go before they put it together, though Radim Zohorna staked his claim to a Penguins roster spot. TSN ranked the top Canadian goalies, and Penguins fans might be surprised where Tristan Jarry ranked, while the NHL rumors include a Penguins backup mentioned as a possible waiver-wire snipe for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Trevor Zegras signed a bridge deal in Anaheim, and goodbye, Halifax.

This was a special trip. I witnessed the connection between Sidney Crosby and Cole Harbour/Halifax, but it’s in a reserved, respectful, and hockey-loving way. This tight-knit city is as proud of Crosby as he is of them, but it wasn’t a bandwagon pile-on of fake support and selfies. It is genuine pride.

The sellout crowd at Scotiabank Centre gave him one standing ovation before the anthems and another just to make sure he heard the first one.

Talking to teammates and Crosby, it was obvious how much this weekend meant to him and how much his teammates enjoyed sharing that. I hope I conveyed that with the right level of sentimentality and description.

Thank you to so many who sent me restaurant and beer tips. Propeller Golden Lager was the runaway winner, one of the best I’ve ever had.

The coffee isn’t so good here, but hot damn, the beer was outstanding. Also, a few bar patrons and bartenders shared Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon “night on the town” stories. For what it’s worth, it sounds like the boys can still have some fun up here without it being all over social media. That says it all, doesn’t it?

Pittsburgh Penguins:

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The game itself was a dud, but there were three things to evaluate. Radim Zohorna, Ryan Shea, and the Penguins power play. Here’s the breakdown: Penguins postgame.

GM Kyle Dubas added another player to the lineup battle Monday when he claimed Jansen Harkins.

Steelers Now:

The MRI came back, and it’s not great news, but it’s not terrible for Kenny Pickett.

Steelers alumni turned strong-opinion media member Ryan Clark blasted–BLASTED–Matt Canada.

It’s Ravens week. The underdog Steelers betting lines.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now:

John Perrotto writes that The Pirates accomplished one important thing this season — Pirates analysis.

The PBN staff made their MLB Playoff predictions.

PBN+: Relief pitcher Dauri Moreta lives up to his nickname with big celebrations. After wrapping this season, the Pirates pitcher took it one step further.

You can also use code Danny10 to subscribe to PBN+ and get PHN+ and SN+, too.

NHL Rumors, News & National Hockey Now:

TSN Video: Realize that if the Olympics were this year, Tristan Jarry would be on Team Canada. Analysts rank Jarry near the top of Canadian goalies.

I don’t know if U.S. readers can see the TSN video. Sometimes you can, sometimes you can’t, but I’m in Canada for a few more hours.

Sportsnet: The Lightning will have some goaltending issues for a while. Jonas Johansson is the only NHL goalie on the depth chart behind the now-injured Andrei Vasilevskiy. A few netminders, including the Penguins’ Magnus Hellberg, could be an easy waiver claim.

Montreal Hockey Now: It’s just preseason, but Monday was also Leafs vs. Canadiens, and the boys got after it. Sean Monahan shined in the Montreal Canadiens win.

Colorado Hockey Now: Check in on the Avalanche camp, including finally cutting the underdog with two first names who almost forced his way onto the team. Colorado Avalanche camp.

ESPN: And the Anaheim Ducks will keep at least one good player around for a while longer. Trevor Zegras gets a three-year bridge deal.